Request for Comments Concerning Free Trade Agreement With the Republic of Colombia, 37759-37760 [E9-17798]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 144 / Wednesday, July 29, 2009 / Notices membership or association with the member notwithstanding a statutory disqualification. When the Exchange exercises this waiver authority, Rule 3.18.01 currently provides that the Exchange Department of Financial and Sales Practice Compliance shall determine whether the Exchange will concur in any the Exchange Act Rule 19h–1 filing made by another SRO. The Exchange proposed to make two clarifying changes to this provision. First, the Exchange proposed to replace the reference to the ‘‘Department of Financial and Sales Practice Compliance’’ with the ‘‘Exchange’’ because the Exchange no longer has a department by that name. Second, the Exchange proposed to include the words ‘‘member or’’ in the last sentence of Rule 3.18.01 to clarify that the Exchange may concur in any Exchange Act Rule 19h–1 filing made by another SRO with respect to a member or an associated person. This change is consistent with the rest of Rule 3.18.01. III. Discussion The Commission has carefully reviewed the proposed rule change and finds that it is generally consistent with Section 6(b)9 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange.10 In particular, the Commission finds that the proposal is consistent with Section 6(b)(5) of the Exchange Act,11 which requires the rules of a national securities exchange to, among other things, be designed to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and, in general, to protect investor and the public interest. The Commission believes that the proposed rule change will enable CBOE to more efficiently administer its statutory disqualification program while at the same time protecting investors and the public interest by allowing CBOE to reallocate resources that would otherwise be spent on unnecessary statutory disqualification hearings. IV. Conclusion mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act,12 that the proposed rule change (SR– CBOE–2009–033) be, and hereby is, approved. 9 15 U.S.C. 78f. approving this proposed rule change, the Commission has considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). 11 15 U.S.C. 78f(5). 12 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 13 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). 10 In VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:30 Jul 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.13 Florence E. Harmon, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–17992 Filed 7–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Request for Comments Concerning Free Trade Agreement With the Republic of Colombia AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting a review of labor-related issues in the context of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and the Republic of Colombia (Colombia) signed on November 22, 2006, and amended on June 28, 2007. The FTA has not yet entered into effect. As part of that review, the interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) seeks comment from the public to assist the USTR in working with the Colombian government to secure continued progress in ensuring that Colombia’s workers can fully exercise their fundamental labor rights. DATES: Written comments are due by noon, September 15, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. For alternatives to on-line submissions please contact Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 395–3475. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For procedural questions concerning written comments, contact Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 395–3475. All other questions should be directed to Bennett Harman, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Latin America, at (202) 395–9446. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 18, 2003, in accordance with section 2104(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 2002, the USTR notified Congress of the President’s intent to enter into negotiations on an FTA with Colombia, identified specific objectives for the negotiations, and solicited comment from interested persons on matters relevant to the FTA. 69 FR 7532. On June 23, 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor with the USTR and U.S. PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37759 Department of State, issued a request for comments from the public regarding labor rights in Andean countries, including Colombia. 69 FR No. 120. On August 24, 2006, the President notified Congress of his intent to enter into an FTA with Colombia, and representatives of the two governments signed the FTA on November 22, 2006. On June 28, 2007, the Parties amended the FTA to reflect the provisions of the May 10, 2007 Congressional-Executive Agreement on Trade Policy. The full text of the FTA is available at https:// www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/freetrade-agreements/colombia-fta/finaltext. Issues have been raised about the extent to which Colombians are able to exercise their fundamental labor rights, as referenced in the FTA. In that light, the President has asked the USTR to assess what steps can be taken, along with the government of Colombia, to secure continued progress in ensuring that Colombia’s workers can exercise their fundamental labor rights. To assist the USTR in fulfilling this task, the Chairman of the TPSC invites interested persons to provide written comments on these questions and requests. Specific questions for comment are: (1) Are there gaps in Colombia’s labor law regime, including its enforcement mechanisms, with respect to providing for the fundamental labor rights of its citizens? If there are gaps, please identify them and provide specific suggestions for improvement. (2) Is the Colombian government taking adequate steps to protect Colombia’s workers from acts of intimidation or violence that impede the exercise of their fundamental labor rights? If there are gaps, please identify them and provide specific suggestions for improvement. (3) Has the government of Colombia made sufficient progress in its efforts to prosecute the perpetrators of violence and intimidation against unionists exercising their fundamental labor rights? If there are gaps, please identify them and provide specific suggestions for improvement. The public is also invited to comment on other issues they believe relevant to the FTA, including the potential benefits of the agreement. Interested persons may submit written comments by noon, September 15, 2009 (see requirements for submission below). Written comments should be submitted in English and must state clearly the position taken and describe with particularity the supporting rationale. Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions: To ensure the most timely E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 37760 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 144 / Wednesday, July 29, 2009 / Notices and expeditious receipt and consideration of comments, USTR has arranged to accept on-line submissions via https://www.regulations.gov. To submit comments via https:// www.regulations.gov, enter docket number USTR–2009–0021 on the home page and click ‘‘go’’. The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this notice by selecting ‘‘Notice’’ under ‘‘Document Type’’ on the left side of the searchresults page, and click on the link entitled ‘‘Send a Comment or Submission.’’ (For further information on using the https://www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on ‘‘How to Use This Site’’ on the left side of the home page.) The https://www.regulations.gov Web site provides the option of making submissions by filling in a ‘‘General Comments’’ field, or by attaching a document. We expect that most submissions will be provided in an attached document. If a document is attached, it is sufficient to type ‘‘See attached’’ in the ‘‘General Comments’’ field. Submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) are preferred. If you use an application other than those two, please identify the application in your submission. For any comments submitted electronically containing business confidential information, the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘‘BC’’. Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ on the top of that page. If you file comments containing business confidential information you must also submit a public version of the comments. The file name of the public version should begin with the character ‘‘P’’. The ‘‘BC’’ and ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. If you submit comments that contain no business confidential information, the file name should begin with the character ‘‘P’’, followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Electronic submissions should not attach separate cover letters; rather, information that might appear in a cover letter should be included in the comments you submit. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments to a submission in the same file as the submission itself and not as separate files. We strongly urge submitters to use electronic filing. If an on-line VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:30 Jul 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 submission is impossible, alternative arrangements must be made with Ms. Blue prior to delivery for the receipt of such submissions. Ms. Blue may be contacted at (202) 395–3475. General information concerning the Office of the United States Trade Representative may be obtained by accessing its Internet Web site (https://www.ustr.gov). Carmen Suro-Bredie, Chairman, Trade Policy Staff Committee. [FR Doc. E9–17798 Filed 7–28–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3190–W9–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket Number: FTA–2009–0036] Additional Proposed Guidance for New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures and Request for Comments for 2009 AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed guidance; request for comments. SUMMARY: This notice includes, and requests comments on, additional Proposed Guidance on New Starts/ Small Starts Policies and Procedures. This guidance continues FTA’s efforts to streamline and simplify the New and Small Starts programs. The notice: (1) Proposes modifications to the evaluation and rating process; (2) clarifies existing policies; and (3) solicits public feedback on potential changes to FTA’s internal practices for the New and Small Starts programs. Please note this guidance is in addition to, and distinct from, the guidance on New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures published concurrently in this issue of the Federal Register. DATES: Comments on the additional Proposed Guidance on New Starts/ Small Starts Policies and Procedures must be received by August 18, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments—identified by the docket number FTA–2009–0036—by any of the following methods: Web site: https://regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. Fax: 202–493–2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and the docket number (FTA–2009–0036). You should submit two copies of your comments if you submit them by mail. If you wish to receive confirmation that FTA received your comments, you must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to the Federal Government Web site located at https:// regulations.gov. This means that if your comment includes any personal identifying information, such information will be made available to users of the Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Day, Office of Planning and Environment, telephone (202) 366–5159 and Christopher Van Wyk, Office of Chief Counsel, telephone (202) 366– 1733. FTA is located at 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., East Building, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice includes, and requests comments on, additional Proposed Guidance on New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures. This guidance continues FTA’s efforts to streamline and simplify the New and Small Starts programs. This guidance is in addition to, and distinct from, the Final Guidance on New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures published concurrently in this issue of the Federal Register. After reviewing and considering public comment on the guidance proposed below, FTA intends to publish Supplemental Final Guidance on New Starts/Small Starts Policies and Procedures, which will take effect immediately upon publication. Projects approved into final design within 30 days of issuance of the Supplemental Final Guidance or prior to its issuance will not be affected in accordance with the policy established by FTA in 2006 so as to provide more stability for New Starts projects far along in the project development process. Organization This notice covers three topic areas: (1) Proposed policy changes; (2) clarification of existing policies and procedures; and (3) potential changes to FTA internal practices for managing the New Starts and Small Starts program. This notice fully articulates the E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37759-37760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17798]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


Request for Comments Concerning Free Trade Agreement With the 
Republic of Colombia

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting a 
review of labor-related issues in the context of the free trade 
agreement (FTA) between the United States and the Republic of Colombia 
(Colombia) signed on November 22, 2006, and amended on June 28, 2007. 
The FTA has not yet entered into effect. As part of that review, the 
interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) seeks comment from the 
public to assist the USTR in working with the Colombian government to 
secure continued progress in ensuring that Colombia's workers can fully 
exercise their fundamental labor rights.

DATES: Written comments are due by noon, September 15, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically via the Internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov. For alternatives to on-line submissions 
please contact Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, Trade Policy Staff 
Committee, at (202) 395-3475.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For procedural questions concerning 
written comments, contact Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, Trade 
Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 395-3475. All other questions should 
be directed to Bennett Harman, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade 
Representative for Latin America, at (202) 395-9446.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 18, 2003, in accordance with 
section 2104(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 2002, the USTR notified Congress 
of the President's intent to enter into negotiations on an FTA with 
Colombia, identified specific objectives for the negotiations, and 
solicited comment from interested persons on matters relevant to the 
FTA. 69 FR 7532. On June 23, 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor with 
the USTR and U.S. Department of State, issued a request for comments 
from the public regarding labor rights in Andean countries, including 
Colombia. 69 FR No. 120. On August 24, 2006, the President notified 
Congress of his intent to enter into an FTA with Colombia, and 
representatives of the two governments signed the FTA on November 22, 
2006. On June 28, 2007, the Parties amended the FTA to reflect the 
provisions of the May 10, 2007 Congressional-Executive Agreement on 
Trade Policy. The full text of the FTA is available at https://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/colombia-fta/final-text.
    Issues have been raised about the extent to which Colombians are 
able to exercise their fundamental labor rights, as referenced in the 
FTA. In that light, the President has asked the USTR to assess what 
steps can be taken, along with the government of Colombia, to secure 
continued progress in ensuring that Colombia's workers can exercise 
their fundamental labor rights. To assist the USTR in fulfilling this 
task, the Chairman of the TPSC invites interested persons to provide 
written comments on these questions and requests. Specific questions 
for comment are:
    (1) Are there gaps in Colombia's labor law regime, including its 
enforcement mechanisms, with respect to providing for the fundamental 
labor rights of its citizens? If there are gaps, please identify them 
and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
    (2) Is the Colombian government taking adequate steps to protect 
Colombia's workers from acts of intimidation or violence that impede 
the exercise of their fundamental labor rights? If there are gaps, 
please identify them and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
    (3) Has the government of Colombia made sufficient progress in its 
efforts to prosecute the perpetrators of violence and intimidation 
against unionists exercising their fundamental labor rights? If there 
are gaps, please identify them and provide specific suggestions for 
improvement.
    The public is also invited to comment on other issues they believe 
relevant to the FTA, including the potential benefits of the agreement.
    Interested persons may submit written comments by noon, September 
15, 2009 (see requirements for submission below). Written comments 
should be submitted in English and must state clearly the position 
taken and describe with particularity the supporting rationale.
    Public Comment: Requirements for Submissions: To ensure the most 
timely

[[Page 37760]]

and expeditious receipt and consideration of comments, USTR has 
arranged to accept on-line submissions via https://www.regulations.gov. 
To submit comments via https://www.regulations.gov, enter docket number 
USTR-2009-0021 on the home page and click ``go''. The site will provide 
a search-results page listing all documents associated with this 
docket. Find a reference to this notice by selecting ``Notice'' under 
``Document Type'' on the left side of the search-results page, and 
click on the link entitled ``Send a Comment or Submission.'' (For 
further information on using the https://www.regulations.gov Web site, 
please consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on 
``How to Use This Site'' on the left side of the home page.)
    The https://www.regulations.gov Web site provides the option of 
making submissions by filling in a ``General Comments'' field, or by 
attaching a document. We expect that most submissions will be provided 
in an attached document. If a document is attached, it is sufficient to 
type ``See attached'' in the ``General Comments'' field.
    Submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) are 
preferred. If you use an application other than those two, please 
identify the application in your submission. For any comments submitted 
electronically containing business confidential information, the file 
name of the business confidential version should begin with the 
characters ``BC''. Any page containing business confidential 
information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top 
of that page. If you file comments containing business confidential 
information you must also submit a public version of the comments. The 
file name of the public version should begin with the character ``P''. 
The ``BC'' and ``P'' should be followed by the name of the person or 
entity submitting the comments. If you submit comments that contain no 
business confidential information, the file name should begin with the 
character ``P'', followed by the name of the person or entity 
submitting the comments. Electronic submissions should not attach 
separate cover letters; rather, information that might appear in a 
cover letter should be included in the comments you submit. Similarly, 
to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other 
attachments to a submission in the same file as the submission itself 
and not as separate files.
    We strongly urge submitters to use electronic filing. If an on-line 
submission is impossible, alternative arrangements must be made with 
Ms. Blue prior to delivery for the receipt of such submissions. Ms. 
Blue may be contacted at (202) 395-3475. General information concerning 
the Office of the United States Trade Representative may be obtained by 
accessing its Internet Web site (https://www.ustr.gov).

Carmen Suro-Bredie,
Chairman, Trade Policy Staff Committee.
[FR Doc. E9-17798 Filed 7-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-W9-P

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